Largest and Most Valuable Companies by Market Cap in 2025

Microsoft and Apple, the two most valuable companies in the world, have delivered impressive returns of 139.53% and 158.07% over the past five years. Both corporations have consistently ranked among the top 20 companies by market capitalization for over 20 years, weathering challenges such as the subprime mortgage crisis, the COVID-19 pandemic, and trade wars. Meanwhile, MicroStrategy stands out as one of the fastest-growing companies in the world, boasting a growth of 3,237.91% over the same five-year period.

The article presents the world’s biggest companies, focusing on the US, South America, Europe, and Asia. It explains their market capitalization, profitability, and identifies assets worth considering for short- or long-term investment.

The article covers the following subjects:

Major Takeaways

• Microsoft (MSFT) closed the second quarter of 2025 as the world’s most valuable and most expensive company, with a market capitalization of $3.26 trillion. Apple (AAPL), which had held the top spot for the past five years, ceded the title.
• Just nine of the world’s most valuable companies boast a market capitalization above $1 trillion. US companies lead the top 20, claiming 18 spots. Notably, tech companies dominate the global market.
• Limbach Holdings (LMB) leads as the fastest-growing company, surging 4,617.96% over five years and 162.65% in the past year. Still, analysts see more potential in MicroStrategy (MSTR), which has climbed 3,237.91% over five years and 136.59% over one year. The company’s strategy of accumulating significant Bitcoin holdings in anticipation of future gains adds to its appeal.
• Alphabet (GOOG) has become the largest company by revenue in 2024, outpacing both Microsoft and Apple in this regard.
• The largest employer globally is Walmart, ranking 12th in market capitalization, with a workforce of 2.1 million individuals.
• In North America (excluding the US), the largest company by market capitalization is Fomento Económico Mexicano, valued at $173 billion. In South America, the leader is MercadoLibre, with a market cap of $113.98 billion. In Europe, SAP SE takes the top spot at $342.94 billion, while in Asia, TSMC stands out with a market cap of $915.52 billion.

Top 20 Largest Companies by Market Cap

Market capitalization represents the total value of a company’s shares. It is calculated by multiplying the number of shares outstanding by the current share price. Controlling stakes and the majority of shares in public companies are typically held by institutional investors. The remaining shares, known as the free float, are available for trading on the stock exchange.

Note: Rankings are subject to change due to market volatility. Numerous fundamental factors influence companies’ share prices and market capitalization.

The top 20 largest companies in the world by market capitalization as of the end of Q2 2025:

Rank	Company	Market Cap, $B	Ticker	Stock Index
1	Microsoft	3,260	MSFT	S&P 500, Nasdaq, Dow Jones
2	Apple	2,965	AAPL	S&P 500, Nasdaq, Dow Jones
3	NVIDIA	2,846	NVDA	S&P 500, Nasdaq, Dow Jones
4	Amazon	2,049	AMZN	S&P 500, Nasdaq, Dow Jones
5	Alphabet (Google)	1,863	GOOG	S&P 500, Nasdaq
6	Saudi Aramco	1,601	2222	Tadawul
7	Meta Platforms	1,489	META	S&P 500, Nasdaq
8	Berkshire Hathaway	1,108	BRK-B	S&P 500
9	Broadcom	978.94	AVGO	S&P 500, Nasdaq
10	Tesla	960.68	TSLA	S&P 500, Nasdaq
11	TSMC	915.52	TSM	NYSE Composite
12	Walmart	773.84	WMT	S&P 500, Dow Jones
13	JPMorgan Chase	703.33	JPM	S&P 500, Dow Jones
14	Visa	675.35	V	S&P 500, Dow Jones
15	Eli Lilly	659.44	LLY	S&P 500
16	Tencent	582.64	0700 (ADR: TCEHY)	Hang Seng
17	Mastercard	516.37	MA	S&P 500
18	Netflix	485.24	NFLX	S&P 500, Nasdaq
19	Exxon Mobil	462.46	XOM	S&P 500
20	Costco	447.27	COST	S&P 500, Nasdaq

Microsoft (MSFT)

Country: USA.

5-Year Return: +139.53%, 1-Year Return: +6.05% (as of the end of Q2 2025).

Segment: information technology, software, and cloud computing services.

Microsoft Corporation develops and maintains the Windows operating system, the Microsoft Office suite of productivity tools, and related business applications. As the world’s largest company, it owns the Azure cloud platform for data storage, cloud computing, and application development. Besides, Microsoft operates the Bing search engine and the LinkedIn social networking site.

A brief history of the company:

Founded in 1975 by Bill Gates and Paul Allen, the company initially developed a BASIC interpreter for the first personal computers. In 1980, it struck a deal with IBM to build the MS-DOS operating system, a move that propelled the company to global fame.

Apple (AAPL)

Country: USA.

5-Year Return: +158.07%, 1-Year Return: +6.58% (as of the end of Q2 2025).

Segment: consumer electronics, software, and digital services.

Apple Inc. manufactures and markets iPhone smartphones, iPad tablets, Mac computers, Apple Watch wearable devices, AirPods headphones, and recently introduced Apple Intelligence tools for AI integration. The company’s portfolio includes the iOS and macOS operating systems and cloud and multimedia services, such as iCloud, Apple Music, Apple TV+, and the App Store.

A brief history of the company:

The tech giant was established in April 1976 in California by Steve Wozniak, Ronald Wayne, and Steve Jobs. In 1984, it launched the Macintosh, which became the first mass-market personal computer equipped with a graphical user interface. In 2007, the company introduced the iPhone, followed by the iPad and Apple Watch in the 2010s, which remain among its flagship products today. In recent years, Apple Inc. has more frequently held the title of the world’s most valuable company than any of its competitors.

Nvidia (NVDA)

Country: USA.

5-Year Return: +1,273.57%, 1-Year Return: +29.04% (as of the end of Q2 2025).

Segment: semiconductors, graphics processing units (GPUs).

The company manufactures and sells:

• GeForce graphics cards designed for PC graphics, serving a wide audience.
• Quadro/RTX Professional GPUs for 3D rendering, CAD, and content creation.
• Server and data centre chips (Tesla, A100, H100 series) for machine learning, scientific computing, and analytics.
• Software platforms and ecosystems (CUDA, DGX systems, NVIDIA Drive) for AI development and autonomous vehicle solutions.

A brief history of the company:

Founded in 1993, NVIDIA launched the GeForce 256 in 1999, the first hardware GPU that set new industry standards. By the early 2000s, the company had emerged as the leader in the gaming graphics card market. Today, NVIDIA’s technologies power the gaming, film, and animation industries, as well as data centers and the automotive sector.

Amazon (AMZN)

Country: USA.

5-Year Return: +68.74%, 1-Year Return: +12.01% (as of the end of Q2 2025).

Segment: e-commerce, cloud computing.

The company operates in several highly profitable areas:

• E-commerce. Amazon is the largest online retail marketplace.
• Cloud technology. Amazon Web Services (AWS) is a commercial public cloud service used for data storage, computing, and other purposes.
• Streaming services (Prime Video, Amazon Music) complemented by Fire TV devices.
• Logistics.

A brief history of the company:

Amazon was established by Jeff Bezos in July 1994 as an online bookstore. The company went public on the NASDAQ exchange in 1997. In 2006, it expanded into data storage and processing services. Since the 2010s, Amazon has made significant strides in logistics, including the construction of warehouses, advancements in drone delivery systems, and the creation of the Amazon Locker network.

Alphabet (Google) (GOOG)

Country: USA. 

5-Year Return: +137.42%, 1-Year Return: -6.18% (as of the end of Q2 2025).

Segment: web browsing and search, advertising, cloud computing, software development, and AI.

The company operates in several business areas:

• Google Search and contextual advertising services.
• Development and support of Android, Chrome, and Google Workspace (Docs, Gmail, Drive).
• YouTube video platform.
• Google Cloud Platform (GCP).
• Hardware manufacturing: Pixel smartphones, Nest smart speakers.

A brief history of the company:

Founded in September 1998 by Larry Page and Sergey Brin, the company is best known for its Google search engine. It launched the Android operating system in 2008 and has been advancing cloud technologies since the 2010s. Recently, Alphabet Inc. ventured into the realms of artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and augmented reality, benefiting greatly from the ongoing AI boom and solidifying its position as a leading player in the technology sector.

Saudi Aramco (2222)

Country: Saudi Arabia.

5-Year Return: -3.66%, 1-Year Return: -16.53% (as of the end of Q2 2025).

Segment: oil and gas operations, hydrocarbon exploration and refining.

Saudi Aramco is the world’s largest producer and exporter of crude oil, accounting for around 10% of global output and around 12% of the world’s oil reserves. Additionally, the company extracts and markets natural gas, produces gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, and other petrochemical products, including polymers.

A brief history of the company:

The history of Saudi Aramco traces back to 1933, when the Saudi government granted an oil concession to the American company Standard Oil of California (SoCal). In 1988, the company officially adopted its current name, Saudi Aramco. In December 2019, it held the largest IPO in history, raising approximately $25 billion. At the forefront today, Saudi Aramco is the most valuable company in the world within the oil and gas industry, boasting a market value exceeding $1 trillion.

Meta Platforms (META)

Country: USA.

5-Year Return: +203.65%, 1-Year Return: +35.69% (as of the end of Q2 2025).

Segment: IT technologies, social media, digital advertising.

Meta is a multinational technology conglomerate that owns various digital platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, and WhatsApp. It also develops virtual and augmented reality devices, such as Oculus/Meta Quest headsets, as well as software for building metaverse experiences.

A brief history of the company:

The company was started by Mark Zuckerberg in 2004 as a social media platform for Harvard students. The rapid growth and success of its initial product quickly attracted a broader audience, leading to its IPO in 2012. The company later acquired Instagram (2012), WhatsApp (2014), and Oculus VR (2014). In 2021, Facebook, Inc. was renamed Meta Platforms, Inc. to reflect its strategic shift toward developing the metaverse and VR/AR infrastructure.

Berkshire Hathaway (BRK-B)

Country: USA.

5-Year Return: +203.88%, 1-Year Return: +23.35% (as of the end of Q2 2025).

Segment: finance and investment.

Berkshire Hathaway is one of the largest multinational investment holding companies. Its major businesses span various sectors, including insurance, railroads, utilities, energy, manufacturing, building materials, consumer products, and retail. It also holds significant equity stakes in companies such as Apple, Bank of America, American Express, Coca-Cola, Kraft Heinz, DaVita, and Moody’s.

A brief history of the company:

The company traces its origins to the 19th century, when it operated as two separate textile companies: Berkshire Fine Spinning Associates and Hathaway Manufacturing. In 1965, legendary investor Warren Buffett took control of the company and began transforming it into an investment holding company. The company’s earliest investments were in the insurance and financial sectors. Today, it is one of the largest investment conglomerates in the world. Approximately 65% of Berkshire Hathaway’s shares are held by institutional investors, including The Vanguard Group and BlackRock.

Broadcom (AVGO)

Country: USA.

5-Year Return: +777.92%, 1-Year Return: +63.84% (as of the end of Q2 2025).

Segment: semiconductors and infrastructure software.

Broadcom Inc. designs and manufactures semiconductors for networking equipment (Ethernet adapters and switches), wireless communications (Bluetooth and Wi-Fi modules), and data storage (SSD controllers), competing with companies like Cisco Systems. The company also provides enterprise software solutions for infrastructure and cybersecurity (Symantec Enterprise Security) and develops custom ASIC and FPGA solutions for data centers and telecom operators.

A brief history of the company:

The company was originally founded in 1961 as a division of Hewlett-Packard, initially focusing on semiconductor components. In 2017, it was acquired by Brocade Communications, and in 2018 by CA Technologies, which significantly expanded its enterprise software portfolio. At present, Broadcom is one of the largest semiconductor companies, providing software solutions for enterprise data centers and telecommunications companies.

Tesla (TSLA)

Country: USA.

5-Year Return: +556.87%, 1-Year Return: +97.22% (as of the end of Q2 2025).

Segment: electric vehicles, energy, and autonomous driving technologies.

Tesla designs and manufactures electric vehicles, batteries, and charging stations. The company develops and sells the Powerwall and Megapack battery systems for residential and commercial use, as well as solar panels and Solar Roof tiles. Tesla’s software offerings include self-driving systems like Autopilot and Full Self-Driving.

A brief history of the company:

The company was created in 2003 by engineers Martin Eberhard and Marc Tarpenning, with Elon Musk joining the development team in 2004. The launch of the first Roadster in 2008 showcased the potential of electric vehicles, leading to the release of subsequent models: the Model S (2012), Model X (2015), Model 3 (2017), and Model Y (2020). This progression established Tesla as the leading global electric vehicle manufacturer.

TSMC (TSM)

Country: Taiwan.

5-Year Return: +241.78%, 1-Year Return: +19.52% (as of the end of Q2 2025).

Segment: semiconductors.

TSMC is engaged in contract manufacturing of integrated circuits. Its customers include major chip developers such as Apple, NVIDIA, AMD, and Qualcomm.

A brief history of the company:

Founded in 1987, TSMC went public on the Taiwan Stock Exchange in 1994 and emerged as a crucial partner to leading chip developers by the early 2000s. Today, the company employs over 66,000 people and operates production facilities across China, India, Japan, the Netherlands, South Korea, and the US. Notably, it stands as the most valuable company in the Asian market.

Walmart (WMT)

Country: USA.

5-Year Return: +134.02%, 1-Year Return: +51.96% (as of the end of Q2 2025).

Segment: retail and e-commerce.

Walmart is one of the world’s largest chains of hypermarkets, supermarkets, and discount stores (Walmart Supercenter, Sam’s Club). Moreover, the company offers additional services, including home delivery and the Walmart Pay mobile payment service.

A brief history of the company:

Walmart was set up by Sam Walton in 1962 as a discount store. The company went public in 1970 and started expanding across the US during the 1980s, opening approximately 145 stores between 1983 and 1991. In the early 2000s, Walmart Inc. began to develop its e-commerce business. As of now, it operates over 10,000 stores worldwide and is the largest private employer globally.

JPMorgan Chase (JPM)

Country: USA.

5-Year Return: +209.60%, 1-Year Return: +31.59% (as of the end of Q2 2025).

Segment: financial services, including banking, investment, and asset management.

JPMorgan Chase offers retail and corporate banking services, including loans and cash management solutions. It operates in investment banking (mergers and acquisitions, securities issuance), bond and stock trading, and asset management (Asset & Wealth Management). 

A brief history of the company:

JPMorgan Chase was formed in 2000 through the merger of Chase Manhattan Bank and J.P. Morgan & Co. Today, it stands as one of the most influential banks globally and ranks among the four largest banking conglomerates in the US. With backing from the US government, the bank was able to survive the 2008 financial crisis. In 2023, JPMorgan Chase took a significant step by partnering with BlackRock and Barclays to incorporate cryptocurrency technologies into its payment systems.

Visa (V)

Country: USA.

5-Year Return: +96.97%, 1-Year Return: +28.39% (as of the end of Q2 2025).

Segment: payment technologies and financial services.

Visa is a global payments technology company that provides the infrastructure for electronic payments and facilitates transactions between consumers and merchants.

A brief history of the company:

The company was established in 1958 as BankAmericard in the US and became Visa in 1976. In 2007, the company launched its IPO on the New York Stock Exchange. Since then, Visa has expanded its presence to more than 200 countries, processing billions of transactions every year.

Eli Lilly (LLY)

Country: USA.

5-Year Return: +355.57%, 1-Year Return: -5.05% (as of the end of Q2 2025).

Segment: pharmaceuticals and biotechnology.

Eli Lilly develops and manufactures medications to treat diabetes, cancer, and central nervous system disorders. The company also operates its own scientific research centers.

A brief history of the company:

Eli Lilly emerged in 1876 in Indianapolis and became the first company to commercialize insulin in 1923. Currently, it holds over 15 patented products, with most of its revenue coming from the US, Europe, Japan, and China. Eli Lilly is currently the most valuable company in the healthcare industry, ahead of competitors like Abbott Laboratories.

Tencent (0700)

Country: China.

5-Year Return in USD: +26.51%, 1-Year Return in USD: +32.51% (as of the end of Q2 2025).

Segment: venture capital investments and financial technology.

Tencent operates the WeChat messaging app and the QQ platform, which together serve over 1.3 billion active users. The company continues to expand its gaming segment (Riot Games, Epic Games, in-house studios). Additionally, it offers a suite of online services, including WeChat Pay for mobile payments, Tencent Cloud for cloud solutions, and digital content such as music, videos, and news.

A brief history of the company:

Founded in 1998 in Shenzhen, Tencent initially launched QQ, an instant messaging service akin to ICQ. In 2011, it introduced WeChat, a mobile app for text and voice messaging. Over the years, Tencent has evolved into one of Asia’s most influential tech companies, consistently ranking among the region’s top three internet giants. Furthermore, the company is one of the world’s largest mobile game developers.

Mastercard (MA)

Country: USA.

5-Year Return: +106.86%, 1-Year Return: +26.05% (as of the end of Q2 2025).

Segment: payment technologies and financial services.

Mastercard is a global payment network that processes transactions between banks and financial institutions. It enables payments via digital wallets, mobile devices, and contactless technologies. 

A brief history of the company:

Mastercard has a rich history, originating as a collaboration among several US banks in 1966 to issue credit cards. The organization adopted its current name in 1979. In 2006, it became a publicly traded company through a successful IPO. Since 2021, Mastercard has supported select cryptocurrency payments on its network. Today, Mastercard payments and transactions are available in over 150 countries and territories.

Netflix (NFLX)

Country: USA.

5-Year Return: +150.95%, 1-Year Return: +84.86% (as of the end of Q2 2025).

Segment: digital entertainment, streaming, and content production.

Netflix stands out as one of the largest online streaming platforms, offering a vast array of TV shows, films, and documentaries. The company also produces its own original content, creating both movies and series.

A brief history of the company:

Netflix was created in 1997 by Reed Hastings and Marc Randolph. In 2007, the company launched its streaming service, and in 2013, it premiered its first original series, “House of Cards.” Rapid growth in its subscriber base and international expansion have made Netflix the global leader in subscription video-on-demand (SVOD). By 2025, its subscriber count is projected to exceed 300 million, with the company investing tens of billions of dollars annually in original content.

Exxon Mobil (XOM)

Country: USA.

5-Year Return: +159.76%, 1-Year Return: -7.47% (as of the end of Q2 2025).

Segment: oil and gas operations and energy.

Exxon Mobil is engaged in the exploration, production, refining, and distribution of crude oil, natural gas, and petroleum products. The company operates refineries in the US, Canada, Europe, and Asia, as well as its own chemical plants. It also owns more than 22,000 retail service stations worldwide.

A brief history of the company:

Exxon Mobil was formed in 1999 through the merger of Exxon (formerly Standard Oil of New Jersey) and Mobil (formerly Standard Oil of New York), both of which are successors to John D. Rockefeller’s Standard Oil. Following the merger, it became the world’s largest publicly traded energy company by market capitalization. Today, the company operates production facilities in the US, Canada, Singapore, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Belgium, Australia, Saudi Arabia, China, and other countries.

Costco (COST)

Country: USA.

5-Year Return: +236.06%, 1-Year Return: +29.72% (as of the end of Q2 2025).

Segment: retail.

Costco Wholesale is the world’s largest warehouse club chain. Club members can shop for thousands of products, including everyday essentials, electronics, furniture, and food, at low prices by sourcing directly from manufacturers and avoiding intermediary markups.

A brief history of the company:

The first Costco warehouse opened in Seattle in 1983. In 1993, the company merged with Price Club, which operated a similar warehouse membership model. During the 1990s, Costco expanded into Canada, Mexico, Europe, and Asia. At present, the company has over 120 million members and operates more than 850 warehouses across more than 15 countries worldwide.

Top 10 Fastest-Growing Companies in the World 

Between April 25 and May 9, shares of Regencell Bioscience Holdings (RGC) soared from $29 to $393, a gain of over 1,200%. Aeva Technologies (AEVA) also posted an impressive 431.41% increase over the year, outperforming all of the top 20 companies. However, its 5-year performance was less impressive, with the stock declining by 61.78%. This highlights the greater importance of long-term profitability over short-term gains.

To be included in the ranking, a company must meet the following criteria:

• It should not be among the world’s top 20 largest companies. For example, while Nvidia exhibits remarkable growth and strong potential, it was already mentioned in a previous section.
• It should maintain an upward trajectory over the past 3–5 years, consistently reaching new highs and demonstrating sustained long-term growth rather than experiencing short-lived spikes.
• It should operate in a promising sector of the global economy, offering strong prospects for future expansion.

	Company	5-Year Return, %	1-Year Return, %
1	Limbach Holdings (LMB)	4,617.96	162.65
2	MicroStrategy (MSTR)	3,237.91	136.59
3	Hallador Energy (HNRG)	2,744.12	219.97
4	Innodata Inc (INOD)	2,483.33	203.42
5	Tecnoglass Inc (TGLS)	2,162.80	52.64
6	Kolibri Global Energy (KGEI)	1,458.02	102.15
7	Palantir Technologies (PLTR)	1,256.95	477.93
8	Axon Enterprise (AXON)	887.05	156.78
9	BYD (1211)	583.22	71.76
10	CrowdStrike (CRWD)	433.64	25.81

Limbach Holdings (LMB)

Country: USA.

5-Year Return: +4617.96%, 1-Year Return: +162.65% (as of the end of Q2 2025).

Segment: engineering and construction services.

Limbach Holdings designs, installs, and maintains HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning), electrical, plumbing, and fire protection systems for commercial and institutional properties. The company delivers turnkey projects supported by CAD modeling and BIM coordination. Its portfolio spans shopping centers, hospitals, schools, industrial facilities, and other mission-critical environments.

MicroStrategy (MSTR) 

Country: USA.

5-Year Return: +3,237.91%, 1-Year Return: +136.59% (as of the end of Q2 2025).

Segment: business analytics.

MicroStrategy develops business intelligence and analytics software for analyzing internal and external data using machine learning technologies. In recent years, the company has been heavily investing in Bitcoin, becoming the largest corporate holder of the cryptocurrency among public companies. As a result, Bitcoin’s price growth has become the primary driver of MicroStrategy’s stock, enabling it to outpace competitors in the business analytics sector.

Hallador Energy (HNRG)

Country: USA.

5-Year Return: +2,744.12%, 1-Year Return: +219.97% (as of the end of Q2 2025).

Segment: coal mining and energy.

Hallador Energy focuses on coal mining and electricity generation at its own power plant in the US. It supplies high-energy bituminous coal to industrial and municipal customers. Besides, the company is involved in natural gas exploration.

Innodata Inc (INOD)

Country: USA.

5-Year Return: +2,483.33%, 1-Year Return: +203.42% (as of the end of Q2 2025).

Segment: data engineering, AI.

Innodata Inc. operates through three segments: Digital Data Solutions (preparation and management of data for AI training), Synodex (processing of medical and insurance records), and Agility (a platform for PR and marketing communications). The company’s clients include information and analytics platforms, as well as companies in the aerospace, manufacturing, energy, and finance industries.

Tecnoglass Inc (TGLS)

Country: Colombia.

5-Year Return: +2,162.80%, 1-Year Return: +52.64% (as of the end of Q2 2025).

Segment: architectural glass and aluminum products.

Tecnoglass Inc. manufactures architectural glass, windows, glass for industrial applications, and related aluminum products for commercial and residential construction. Its product range includes insulating glass, laminated glass, tempered glass, digital print glass, façade systems, doors, partitions, and hurricane-resistant glass.

Kolibri Global Energy Inc (KGEI)

Country: USA (registered in Canada).

5-Year Return: +1,458.02%, 1-Year Return: +102.15% (as of the end of Q2 2025).

Segment: oil and gas exploration and production.

Kolibri Global Energy Inc. focuses on the exploration and production of crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids in the US.

Palantir Technologies (PLTR)

Country: USA.

5-Year Return: +1,256.95%, 1-Year Return: +477.93% (as of the end of Q2 2025).

Segment: software development.

Palantir Technologies develops software platforms for analyzing large datasets using artificial intelligence. Its solutions collect and fuse data from IoT devices, CRM systems, and social media, enabling visual, textual, and predictive analysis. Its clients include government agencies, defense and intelligence organizations, and financial institutions.

Axon Enterprise (AXON)

Country: USA.

5-Year Return: +887.05%, 1-Year Return: +156.78% (as of the end of Q2 2025).

Segment: public safety technologies.

Axon Enterprise develops and sells TASER energy weapons, Axon Body body-worn cameras, Axon Fleet in-car cameras, and provides the cloud-based digital evidence management platform Evidence.com. The company’s products are used by law enforcement agencies, the military, and public safety organizations.

BYD (002594)

Country: China.

5-Year Return: +583.22%, 1-Year Return: +71.76% (as of the end of Q2 2025).

Segment: electric vehicles and batteries.

BYD designs and manufactures electric and hybrid passenger vehicles, commercial vans, buses, trucks, and lithium-ion batteries. Additionally, the company produces solar panels and charging stations.

CrowdStrike (CRWD)

Country: USA.

5-Year Return: +433.64%, 1-Year Return: +25.81% (as of the end of Q2 2025).

Segment: cybersecurity.

CrowdStrike provides endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions, a security technology powered by AI and machine learning analytics. The company has been involved in multiple high-profile investigations related to data breaches at major organizations. Its flagship product is the Falcon platform.

Largest Companies by Revenue 

The company’s financial statements are based on two financial indicators, such as revenue and net income:

• Revenue is the total amount of money generated from a business’s primary operations before expenses.
• Net income is the total profit a company earned after subtracting all expenses from its revenue.

These parameters should be examined together. For example, Company A earned twice as much revenue as Company B. However, Company B's net income was much higher because Company A incurred higher expenses. In this light, Company B may appear more appealing to investors.

The largest companies by annual revenue and net income for 2024:

	Company	Revenue, $B	Net Income, $B
1	Alphabet	350.02	100.12
2	Apple	395.76	96.15
3	Microsoft	261.80	92.75
4	Berkshire Hathaway	371.43	88.99
5	Meta Platforms	164.5	62.36
6	JPMorgan Chase	278.90	56.87
7	Industrial & Commercial Bank of China (ICBC)	113.58	48.81
8	China Construction Bank	191.99	46.68
9	Agricultural Bank of China	195.63	36.56
10	Exxon Mobil	349.59	33.68

Top 10 Largest Employers in the World 

The ranking includes public companies whose shares can be bought on stock exchanges. Companies that are not publicly listed are excluded.

Note: The largest employer is not necessarily the best. For example, Amazon, which appears on the list of top employers, is often criticized for its harsh working conditions. Conversely, South Korea’s Samsung, which employs 270,000 people, was named the world’s best employer 2024 by Forbes, but did not make it into this ranking.

The world’s largest employers as of the end of Q2 2025:

	Company	Country	Industry	Number of Employees	Market Cap, $B
1	Walmart	USA	Retail	2,100,000	773.84
2	Amazon	USA	E-commerce	1,551,000	2,049
3	Foxconn (Hon Hai Precision Industry)	Taiwan	Electronic Manufacturing Services	826,600	68.0
4	Accenture	Ireland	Consulting	774,000	192.75
5	Volkswagen Group	Germany	Automotive	656,100	57.44
6	Tata Consultancy Services	India	IT Services & Consulting	601,500	147.73
7	DHL Group (Deutsche Post)	Germany	Transportation & Logistics	594,800	48.57
8	BYD Company	China	Automotive	570,100	152.51
9	Compass Group	UK	Food Service & Catering	550,000	58.68
10	Jingdong Mall	China	E-commerce	517,100	49.03

Top 10 Companies by Region

The list includes public companies whose shares or ADRs can be purchased not only on their home country’s stock exchange but also on exchanges in other countries. 

Note: Although this ranking may be adjusted in the future, it provides a solid snapshot of the markets. After all, it is rare for a company in the top three to drop below tenth place, just as it is unlikely for the lowest-ranked company to rise to a leading position.

The leaders of the stock market are companies in retail, finance, IT, semiconductors, biotechnology, and pharmaceuticals. Among the top 10 companies, those from Asia have the highest combined market capitalization, whereas those from South America have the lowest.

Largest Companies in North America

North America consists of over 20 nations, the majority of which are either small states or overseas territories. The largest corporations in the region are based in the US. However, this nation has been addressed previously. Consequently, this analysis will focus on companies from two other countries in the region: Mexico and Canada.

The most valuable companies in North America as of the end of Q2 2025:

	Company	Country	Industry	Business Focus	Market Cap, $B
1	Fomento Económico Mexicano	Mexico	Beverage & Retail	The world’s largest Coca‑Cola bottler and owner of the OXXO chain of convenience stores. Moreover, the company operates fuel retail outlets through OXXO GAS and runs several pharmacy chains.	177.93
2	Royal Bank of Canada	Canada	Financial Services	Canada’s largest bank, serving over 20 million customers in more than 50 countries, specializing in asset management, insurance, and investment products.	170.62
3	Shopify	Canada	Information Technology	Developer of a cloud-based SaaS platform for e-commerce and POS solutions. The platform is used by millions of sellers in more than 175 countries.	118.84
4	Toronto-Dominion Bank	Canada	Financial Services	A classic bank offering a full range of services for individuals and businesses. It has branches in the US.	110.99
5	Enbridge	Canada	Energy	A leading energy infrastructure company primarily operating oil and gas pipelines across North America. It is also significantly expanding its renewable energy footprint through wind and solar power generation facilities.	101.78
6	Brookfield Asset Management	Canada	Asset management	A Canadian-American asset management company, specializing in investments in renewable energy, private equity, and infrastructure projects.	92.77
7	Brookfield Corporation	Canada	Asset Management	Brookfield Corporation’s key operating businesses include renewable power, infrastructure, real estate, and energy investments.	88.50
8	Thomson Reuters	Canada	Media & Information Services	Provides news, financial and economic information solutions for professionals, including lawyers, accountants, and analysts. A leading provider of analytical tools for businesses.	84.97
9	Constellation Software	Canada	IT Services & Corporate Software	Develops and manages industry-specific software solutions for public sector entities and private businesses in over 100 countries.	78.04
10	Bank of Montreal	Canada	Financial Services	One of Canada’s oldest banks.	71.89

Largest Companies in South America

The region is notable for the dominance of companies that are subsidiaries of American and European conglomerates, such as Grupo Santander from Spain and Anheuser-Busch InBev from Belgium. However, these companies are also public entities, with their shares traded on local stock exchanges. Brazil stands out as the leader in terms of companies boasting the highest market capitalization.

The largest companies in South America by market capitalization as of the end of Q2 2025:

	Company	Country	Industry	Business Focus	Market Cap, $B
1	MercadoLibre	Argentina	E-commerce & Fintech	Operates online marketplaces and digital platforms in Latin America.	113.98
2	Petrobras	Brazil	Energy / Oil & Gas	A state-controlled multinational oil and gas company that conducts exploration, production, refining, transportation, and marketing of oil and natural gas. Its operations also span petrochemicals, fertilizers, lubricants, and biofuels.	70.12
3	Itaú Unibanco	Brazil	Financial Services	The largest bank in Brazil and Latin America.	62.23
4	Nu Holdings Ltd (Nubank)	Brazil	Financial Services / Fintech	Latin America’s digital financial platform, offering mobile banking services, as well as investment and insurance products.	59.87
5	Vale S.A.	Brazil	Mining	A global leader in iron ore and nickel mining, which operates mines, hydroelectric power plants, railways, and ports for metal processing and transportation.	39.59
6	Ambev	Brazil	Beverages	A beverage manufacturer and distributor in Latin America, producing brands such as Skol, Brahma, and Antarctica. Besides, Ambev bottles PepsiCo products and its non-alcoholic beverages.	38.64
7	Banco Santander Brasil	Brazil	Financial Services / Banking Services	A subsidiary of Spain’s Grupo Santander, one of the country’s largest banking organisations.	37.41
8	BTG Pactual	Brazil	Financial Services	Brazilian investment bank and asset manager, specializing in investment banking (M&A, IPO, DCM/ECM), securities and commodities trading, as well as capital management and hedging services.	35.07
9	WEG	Brazil	Electrical Equipment	Manufactures and supplies electric motors, generators, transformers, variable frequency drives (VFDs), soft starters, control panels, and industrial automation systems.	31.07
10	Banco do Brasil	Brazil	Financial Services	Provides a wide range of financial services, including investment banking, insurance, and asset management, and serves as the Brazilian government’s fiscal agent.	29.14

Largest Companies in Europe

When comparing market capitalization across regions, Europe stands out with a significantly higher number of companies boasting large valuations than North and South America (excluding the US). As one of the world’s top three economies, the EU is an appealing destination for manufacturing, particularly due to its advantages in logistics and distribution.

Switzerland, while not a member of the EU, managed to secure a place in the ranking. Two UK companies, Linde ($213.07 billion) and AstraZeneca ($212.59 billion), came close to breaking into the top 10. However, the positions of these companies in the ranking can change at any moment.

The largest companies in Europe as of the end of Q2 2025:

	Company	Country	Industry	Business Focus	Market Cap, $B
1	SAP SE	Germany	Information Technology	Develops corporate software (ERP, BI, cloud solutions) for finance and supply chain management, as well as big data analysis.	342.94
2	Novo Nordisk	Denmark	Pharmaceuticals & Healthcare	Manufactures medications for the treatment of diabetes (insulin), obesity, and hormone-related disorders.	293.80
3	Hermès International	France	Luxury	Creates and markets luxury leather goods (bags, belts), clothing, accessories, watches, jewellery, and fragrances, emphasizing exclusive design and artisanal craftsmanship.	290.60
4	LVMH	France	Perfumes, Jewellery, Luxury	Designs, produces, and distributes luxury goods, including clothing, accessories, fragrances, and spirits, under brands such as Louis Vuitton, Dior, Moët & Chandon, and Hennessy.	282.03
5	ASML Holding	Netherlands	Semiconductors	The world’s leading manufacturer of photolithography systems, including extreme ultraviolet (EUV) machines, for the microelectronics industry, enabling the production of integrated circuits for chips and microprocessors.	277.68
6	Nestlé	Switzerland	Consumer Goods (Food)	The world’s largest food manufacturer, producing chocolate, instant coffee, ice cream, dairy products, baby food, mineral water, animal feed, etc.	273.54
7	Roche Holding	Switzerland	Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology	Produces medicines for oncology and immunology, as well as diagnostic tests.	250.95
8	L’Oréal	France	Cosmetics and Perfumes	Manufactures cosmetic products for skin and hair care.	239.16
9	Novartis	Switzerland	Pharmaceuticals	Develops and manufactures pharmaceutical products, with a focus on cardiology, oncology, and immunology.	214.69
10	Prosus	Netherlands	Investment, IT	An investment holding company that backs technology start-ups and companies in the IT sector.	214.62

Largest Companies in Asia

China stands as the world’s second-largest economy, following the US. Many of Asia’s most valuable companies are based in China. While the Chinese economy is often seen as closed off to outside investors, there are still ways to invest in shares of Chinese companies. A notable example is Alibaba, which offers American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) on the New York Stock Exchange, allowing investors to effectively hold shares in this foreign company.

Middle Eastern countries are not included in the ranking. Additionally, shares that are exclusively traded in their home country, such as Kweichow Moutai (China, $276.17 billion), are also left out of the list.

The largest companies in Asia as of the end of Q2 2025:

	Company	Country	Industry	Business Focus	Market Cap, $B
1	TSMC	Taiwan	Semiconductors	Specializes in contract manufacturing of integrated circuits for Apple, Nvidia, and AMD.	915.52
2	Tencent	China	Internet and Digital Services	Operates social media platforms and digital services, developing messaging apps, payment systems, online games, cloud solutions, and investing in AI and fintech.	587.43
3	ICBC	China	Financial Services	One of the world’s largest banks, providing corporate and retail banking and other services.	328.70
4	Alibaba	China	E-commerce	A technology company that owns the largest B2B, C2C, and B2C trading platforms and has its own payment services.	305.73
5	Agricultural Bank of China	China	Financial Services	One of China’s “Big Four” banks, focused on supporting the agricultural sector.	262.07
6	Samsung Electronics	South Korea	Consumer Electronics & Semiconductors	A multinational company that manufactures semiconductors and a wide range of electronics, including smartphones, televisions, home appliances, SSDs, and more.	260.28
7	Toyota Motor Corporation	Japan	Automotive	Manufactures passenger and commercial vehicles, along with engines and components, and provides credit and leasing services through its subsidiaries.	244.31
8	China Mobile	China	Telecommunications	One of the largest mobile communications operators in the world.	235.20
9	Reliance Industries	India	Energy, Retail, Telecommunications	A diversified conglomerate with businesses spanning energy and petrochemicals, retail, telecommunications, and digital services.	221.19
10	China Construction Bank	China	Financial Services	One of China’s largest banks.	215.18

Conclusion

In addition, let’s analyze the 1-year and 5-year returns of stock indices based on the results of 2024:

• S&P500: +96.34% over 5 years, +9.39% over a year.
• NASDAQ: +112.69% over 5 years, +31.42% over a year.
• DAX: +113.38% over 5 years, +26.41% over a year.
• Nikkei 225: +82.26% over 5 years, -3.84% over a year.

The Japanese index declined over a year, along with many Japanese companies. However, Asia’s largest companies, such as Tencent and TSMC, recorded gains. US indices outperformed several of the top 20 companies in terms of 1-year return but lost significant ground over the five-year period. European companies experienced a similar trend.

Therefore, an ideal investment portfolio should be long-term oriented and diversified with indices to mitigate price fluctuations of individual assets. It is also wise to include shares of leading companies across various industries and countries. Additionally, consider adding cryptocurrencies like BTC, ETH, and SOL, as well as gold, a safe-haven asset. The percentage of each asset should align with your risk tolerance.